Just as a side note, it seems like all the WC hatred mainly comes from the Indian fans. Theoretically you can be k.o of the twenty20 world cup from losing just one match, but you guys don't complain about that. Possibly because you've won one now?

I like the format. And i'll be honest when i say that i'm a little biased, since this gives Pakistan the chance to move beyond the group stages and into the quarters. I understand that having some new teams in the big matches does give things a fresh touch,but i would rather have the big guns have a go against each other when it matters most.This way,the knockout matches will be balanced.Call me old fashioned,but i would rather have the QFs with all big teams than with a minnow.

And seriously,every hardcore supporter would want his/her team to progress to the Quarters.This format offers exactly that,making sure that everything is desgined to assist the big teams.Interest in the last world cup declined partly because of the long schedule,and partly because India and Pakistan went home early.It is only normal for the ICC to not take any risk this time,and offer a smooth path to the big teams.

Just as a side note, it seems like all the WC hatred mainly comes from the Indian fans. Theoretically you can be k.o of the twenty20 world cup from losing just one match, but you guys don't complain about that. Possibly because you've won one now?

And what was 1983 then?

We miss you, Fardin. :(. RIP.

Originally Posted by vic_orthdox

In the end, I think it's so utterly, incomprehensibly boring. There is so much context behind each innings of cricket that dissecting statistics into these small samples is just worthless. No-one has ever been faced with the same situation in which they come out to bat as someone else. Ever.

I understand people's points about there being 42 group games and only 7 knockout games - however each team will have played 6 games by the knockout stages, that's plenty of time for players to hit form, and by the knockout stages we'll have a decent idea of where all the teams are at.

Then, come the knockout stages, it's sudden death. Bad over, bad period of play, players losing and holding their nerve at crucial stages will be the difference between success and failure. The lack of a stand out team like Australia were at the last World Cup will only add to that excitment.

The main gripe I've got with the format is how ****ing long the group stages will take to complete - that's a far bigger issue than the number of games.